Egyptian actress Hala Shiha has received an offer by a satellite TV channel to present a new religious program "Nasihati" (My Advice) alongside her sister Maya, who had followed in her sister's footsteps and wore the Islamic headdress (The Hijab). Actor Ahmad Al Fishawi, son of renowned actor Farouq Al Fishwai, is the middle man between Hala and the producers of the program, trying to convince the former actress to accept the offer, especially since religious programs presented by actresses who resigned from their profession have proven great success among viewers.
Ahmad, who is currently the presenter of a similar show (Yallah Shabab) (Come On Guys) on one of the Egyptian satellite channels that attempts to enlighten the young generation with teaching of Islam and guide them through different stages in life, has been putting great efforts in trying to convince Hala saying that the opportunity to teach the concepts of Islam by a young person has a tremendous effect on viewers everywhere. Waleed Al Awadi, who is nominated to direct the program, said that it is most likely Hala will give her final acceptance to present the new show, especially since the idea is currently of interest to her.
Hala's wish to continue her role in the film "Waraka" (Paper) wearing the Hijab (Islamic headdress), was refused by the producer and director. Hala had previously accepted the role in the film after having doubts of whether to continue in the sequel of the original film "Al Limbi", in which she played the role of girl from downtown.
After her rejection, Hala decided to use her popularity, which she achieved throughout her acting career, in religious programs on TV. The former actress stressed her desire in enlightening people with the religion of Islam, and added that her determination to take part in such program has nothing to do with keeping her fame, but rather comes from her strong devotion to God and Islam.
Shiha had taken the decision to join the list of covered actresses and wore Hijab (Islamic headdress). The Twenty-four year old actress, eldest of the four Shiha stars, Hana, Rasha and Maya, stressed that she is not thinking of quitting acting, but will limit herself to taking roles that allow her to appear wearing the Hijab.
Hala denied that her decision came after the sudden death of Egyptian actor Alaa Wali El Din. Her Hijab caused confusion among directors and producers of films who had previously offered the actress a number of roles for films, forcing them to rethink their decisions and placing them in awkward positions.
Hala said that she will not rethink her decision, as was the case with her sister Maya who wore the hijab and then took it off. She added that everyone is responsible for the decisions they make in life and hers was one made after careful thinking and planning.
Growing up, Hala always had musical and artistic talent, as she excelled at dancing, drawing, fashion designing, piano and keyboard playing. But it wasn't until renowned actor and family friend Adel Emam encouraged her to join the academy of arts, did she think of pursuing a career in acting – Albawaba.com
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
